olympic torch

The London 2012 Olympic Torch began with a simple observation: trinities run deep in Olympic history. From the Olympic motto to the three Olympic values, and the fact that this would be London’s third time hosting, the number three carried real meaning. That idea became a structural and symbolic foundation, expressed through the torch’s distinctive triangular form. As a project, it was also the genesis of Map: the creative and collaborative process behind the torch laid the groundwork for the studio’s formation, setting the tone for our approach to design thinking from day one.

We shaped the object not just to look right, but to feel right. The triangular cross-section allowed for a natural, secure grip at any angle. Its tactile surface, made up of 8,000 precisely laser-cut holes, referenced the 8,000 torchbearers who would carry it across the UK in the 70-day lead-up to the Games. These perforations also served functional needs: reducing weight, improving heat dissipation, and offering a glimpse into the heart of the flame itself.

Material choice was critical. The torch was crafted from a high-performance aluminium alloy originally developed for aerospace and automotive applications – chosen for its lightness, strength, and ability to resist heat. We worked closely with specialists to ensure the torch could stay alight in wind, rain, snow and at altitude, testing it in extreme conditions from sub-zero climates to high-speed wind tunnels.

While its journey was temporary, the torch itself has become a lasting cultural object. It now sits in permanent collections at the V&A, the Design Museum, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and the Royal College of Art. A functional object, and designed to move, now held still as a piece of history.